Michigan among nation's worst for vaccination rates
Michigan is getting low marks for its vaccination rates.
In a report from 24/7 Wall St., Michigan ranks fourth worst in the country, despite widespread recommendations to vaccinate.
Among several factors, the report examined the percentage of 15- to 35-month-old children in each state who received the 4+DTap vaccination in 2013-2014 from the National Immunization Survey. The DTaP is a series of vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, toxoids and acellular pertussis.
►Related: Immunization waivers plummet 40% in Michigan
In an interview with 24/7 Wall St., Shannon Stokley, associate director for science at the Immunization Services Division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the fourth dose of the DTaP vaccine is a good indicator of immunization status in a state.
Michigan's DTap vaccination rate is 77.7%. Only Idaho, West Virginia and Wyoming had lower rates.
By comparison, Maine leads the U.S. with 93.1%.
The study also considered the percentage of adults in each state who received the influenza vaccine in 2013. Michigan had the seventh-lowest rate at 34.5%.
►Related: Search vaccination rates for your child's school
So why is Michigan near the bottom of the list?
Several issues factor into a state's vaccination ranking, including state laws, prevention programs, access to medical care and health insurance. But there are several programs in place that can help, Stokely says.
“There are resources available for children so that cost should not be a barrier to getting a vaccine,” Stokely told 24/7 Wall St.
In Michigan, parents with school-age children have the option to sign a vaccination waiver for philosophical or religious reasons.
As of 2015, parents who want a waiver for their child must attend an information session at their local health department, a move that sparked a fiery debate among parents.
►Related: Unvaccinated kids lead to 57% spike in Michigan chickenpox cases
►Related: Michigan urges vaccinations amid chickenpox outbreak
The rule applies to children entering a licensed day care, preschool, Head Start program, kindergarten, seventh grade or enrolling in a new school district.
As of January 2016, the number of vaccination waivers in the state of Michigan had dropped nearly 40% in the year since the new rule took effect.
For more information on recommended vaccines and programs available to the public, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.